What are you grateful for?
Procreate, coffee and enjoying the process (well mostly)
Hey there,
I absolutely love Thanksgiving. Though I’m Australian, I spent seven years living in New York (one in Las Vegas), and each year, Thanksgiving quickly became one of my favorite holidays. What I enjoy most about it is the chance to pause and reflect on all the things we’re grateful for. And, of course, it’s always so much fun to get into Thanksgiving crafts with the kids! If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend tracing your hand and turning it into a turkey.
It’s so important to teach kids about gratitude, especially from a young age. Being thankful helps build empathy, kindness, and resilience in children, making them more aware of the positive things in their lives. Even small, regular moments of gratitude—like recognizing a sunny day or a friend’s kindness—can shape a child’s outlook and boost their emotional well-being. Here are some recommendations for children’s books on the topic:
Cunning Crow" by Gregg Dreise
This picture book teaches children about self-acceptance and gratitude for their own unique qualities, using a Dreamtime story about a crow who learns the importance of appreciating differences. I love Greggs use of traditional aboriginal art with a modern expression. During COVID he hosted a book week event at my kids school. One of the benefits of the time was that it was on zoom so I was able to join in with my kids. I would never have gotten that opportunity so it’s sort of a silver lining and one thing that I am grateful for about that period of time.
Around the Table That Grandad Built by Melanie Heuiser Hill
This story celebrates family gatherings and the tradition of passing on gratitude from one generation to the next, using the metaphor of a table built by Grandad. I love the illustrations in this one and all the different perspectives. It’s very creative in the way it shows the family and food around the one table through the book. It is about a Thanksgiving meal, but really can be read at anytime of the year.
Here is a list of more books on gratitude. I like how it breaks down the recommendations for different age groups.
And if you still want more, my friend and fellow Illoguild member Jen Gubicza has also created a “mixtape” of gratitude-themed books on her Substack. She shares some other “mixtape” book lists too, so it’s worth subscribing to her newsletter. She also makes the most incredible faux taxidermy, check out Zooguu. And you can order your handmade Christmas ornaments now. I have my eye on the Narwhal!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply acknowledging the holiday, I hope you have a wonderful time with family and friends. And if you’re not observing, maybe take a moment to give thanks for the little things that bring joy to your life.
And 3 things I’m grateful for:
Being able to do what I love everyday.
Having supportive people in my live (shoutout to illoguild and my family).
Coffee!
Share what you are grateful for in the comments.
News
The illoguild live session is on 19 November ‘ILLOGUILD Talks: Gratitude. Join us for the live chat (register here) or you can sign- up to the illoguild newsletter to watch the replay.
I have 3 books coming out next year 🎉 Unfortunately I still can’t share the news yet… can’t wait until I can!!! So it feels like 2024 is ramping up instead of slowing down, but it’s one more thing to be grateful for.
Thanks for reading!
You can see more of my work on my website or instagram.
Also please check out the Illoguild Newsletter! It comes out next week.
Each month we all answer the same question. It’s so great to see how each person has a different approach. This month all the contributors will share ‘What are you grateful for?’
My Books
‘Boldilocks’ (out 2025). “Boldilocks is a boy with hair so spectacular and shimmering that everyone looks at him, embarrassing him wherever he goes. But when Pa takes him to the hairdresser to do something about it, something unexpected happens. With a little salon magic and a whole lot of love, much more than hair is transformed. Boldilocks celebrates the power of community and being confident in your skin (and hair), and will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt a little bit embarrassed about how they look.”
‘Our Australian Heart’ is an anthology celebrating Australia, featuring my illustration “New Life at The Great Barrier Reef”. Sale proceeds are to be donated to The Indigenous Literary Foundation.
Mia’s grandma is no ordinary grandmother. She is a very busy grandmother who is curious, fashionable and adventurous. Glamma always has time to share her love of the world with her granddaughter Mia, so is she just like any other grandmother?
Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping Little Shark Lulu is trying very hard to go to sleeeep…
But, all around her, lots of sea life are wide awake and busily hunting, eating or playing. How can Lulu nod off with all that underwater fun and games?